Legendary KISS to play Covelli Aug. 26

By GUY D’ASTOLFO

dastolfo@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

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Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Photo

Tommy Thayer, and from left, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer, and Paul Stanley, of the musical group KISS, pose in the press room at the American Idol XIII finale at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

This summer will end in a blaze of glory when KISS comes to Covelli Centre.

The iconic band, whose live show has long been one of rock’s biggest spectacles, will bring its Freedom to Rock tour to the downtown arena Aug. 26.

Tickets are $122, $86.50 and $36.50 (plus fees) and go on sale April 18 at 10 a.m. at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at the Covelli box office. Opening act will be the Dead Daisies.

KISS is known for its kabuki-esque face paint and demonic costumes, as well as its theatrical and pyrotechnics-laden stage show. The band has been fronted by Gene Simmons and guitarist Paul Stanley for about 40 years, both original members; and now also includes drummer Eric Singer and guitarist Tommy Thayer.

Eric Ryan, director of Covelli Centre, said he is pleased to have the show, which will bring excitement — and revenue — to the arena during the slow summer months.

“Any time we can get a marquee show, especially in the summer, it’s a huge deal for us,” said Ryan. “KISS is a massive name that has traditionally played much bigger cities. They put on a fantastic show, production-wise.”

The arena will be set up in its traditional configuration, with the stage at the east end, for the concert, meaning somewhere in the vicinity of 6,000 seats will be available.

Ryan said he is working on landing a second big-name concert this summer, but could offer no details.

KISS, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, is regarded as one of the most influential bands of all time. The act is one of America’s gold-record champions, recording 37 albums, including its self-titled 1974 debut, and selling more than 100 million units worldwide.

In addition to countless concerts, the band performed at Super Bowl XXXIII, the 2002 Winter Olympics, the 2005 Rockin’ The Corps concert for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and on 2009’s “American Idol” finale.

Its catalog of anthemic hard rock songs include the singles “Detroit Rock City,” “I Was Made for Loving You” and “Rock & Roll All Night.”